A guide to the best
and sometimes off the
beaten track historical
ruins around Ireland and
how to get there.

Monday, 11 January 2016

Old Killeshin Church Co Laois

Above Image: Entrance lane

Above Image: West gable

Above Image: Romanesque doorway

Above Image: The font

Above Image: Decorated capitals

Above Image: East gable

Above & Below Images: Exterior & Interior views of
late Gothic window

This site was of great ecclesiastical importance originating
with a monastery founded possibly as early as the 6th century and
designated as a cultural and educational centre. Unfortunately the monastery
was destroyed in the 11th century. A round tower also stood on this
site until 1703 when the land owner demolished it as he feared it unstable and
might collapse killing the herd that grazed around it. It had stood at 105 feet
making it the third tallest tower in Ireland after Kilmacduagh at 111 feet and
Kildare at 108 feet (both previous posts). The ruins on the site today comprise
of the West and East gables and partial North wall of a 12th century
Church but the ruins are made all the more interesting because of the ornate
doorway that has survived intact. It is one of the most striking examples of
Hiberno-Romanesque architecture to be seen in this country. The arch has a
large decorated triangular shaped hood with the doorway having four orders with
heads on the capitals with their hair intertwining. Just by this doorway there
also is positioned a font dating from the late medieval times. In the East
gable there is a single window which is late Gothic in style and so would place
it as a subsequent addition or amendment to the original Church.

I found this unassuming ruin really worth the visit because
of the fine doorway and would recommend it highly. Although close to Carlow Town it is actually just over the border into Co Laois. Access is easy off the main
road by way of a lane way and graveyard enclosure gate. The Church sits slightly
aloft affording picturesque views of the Barrow Valley.

To find the ruins take the R430 heading West from Carlow
town and approx. 2.2KM along you will see a left hand turn for the L7914. (The
modern Killeshin Church can be seen in the backround on the left) Turn onto the
L7914 and then take the first right turn and once past the modern Church on the
left you will spot the medieval ruins about 150m along on the right hand side.
There is room to park a car adjacent to a field gate at the lane way leading to
the Church.